Pet Dentistry

Dentistry

Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings combined with good dental hygiene at home can increase your pet’s health, vitality, and well-being. If left untreated, dental disease can not only be painful and inhibit proper nutrition but can also lead to serious systemic issues that may threaten your pet’s overall health before symptoms are noticeable. Our veterinarians strongly recommend regular dental care as part of your pet’s preventative health care program.

Each cleaning performed in our hospital includes the following steps:

1. A general exam
2. An oral examination under general anesthesia
3. Full mouth digital X-rays
4. Irrigation of periodontal pockets
5. Calculus removal from the crown through sub-gingival scaling
6. Root planing
7. Curettage where indicated
8. Teeth polishing
9. Tooth extractions as needed
10. Fluoride treatment
11. Dental charting
12. Home care instruction on oral hygiene, featuring a post-procedure meeting with the technician to review teeth brushing or other custom-designed recommendations.

Digital Dental X-Ray

Radiography is critical for an accurate evaluation of periodontal disease, as 60% of the disease is hidden below the gum line. Our mobile digital X-ray machine allows us to diagnose tooth root abscesses, resorptive lesions, and other oral pathology, as well as evaluate the extent of bone loss and tooth fractures. None of this could be accomplished by visualization alone. Dental radiographs are an important tool in helping your pet achieve and maintain good oral health.

Dentistry is a vital part of your pet’s health care. Please do not hesitate to ask us questions!

Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home

Brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most important way to maintain your companion’s good oral health. If performed regularly, brushing your pet’s teeth dramatically decreases the incidence of gingivitis and can increase the interval between teeth cleaning appointments. If you are unsure how to brush your pet’s teeth, just ask us! We are happy to help!

Signs of Pet Dental Problems

Symptoms of dental disease include:

• Bad breath (one of the first signs of dental disease)
• A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
• Red and swollen gums
• Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or gums are touched
• Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
• Loose or missing teeth

If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, his or her overall health is being impacted. Don’t wait! Please call Harbor Point Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment.